While the media initially opted for a graduation picture of Brown, a second image of him in a sports singlet and making a hand gesture that could have been interpreted by some as a gang-sign then became a more popular image.

Mr Brown “was giving up in the sense of raising his arms and being subdued,” Mr Walker said. The officer “had his gun raised and started shooting the individual in the chest multiple times.” The officer then “stood over him and shot him” after the victim fell to the ground.